New L&G data reveals value of technology to long-term absence management
The latest instalment of L&G's Chief Medical Officer report reveals strong return-to-work outcomes for Group Income Protection claimants.
L&G’s Group Protection business today launches the latest instalment of the third edition of its Chief Medical Officer (CMO) report. It highlights the value of technology in long-term absence management, featuring the latest return to work outcomes from L&G’s partnership programmes. The report focuses on two of the most common Group Income Protection (GIP) claims – namely, for Cancer and Mental Health.
Rehabilitation programme for cancer survivors: 8 in 10 were able to return to work
New data shows that eight in 10 referrals to L&G’s return to work programme for long term absent employees who’ve gone through, or who are currently receiving cancer treatment, were able to enjoy a successful and sustainable return to work. This programme sees L&G’s in-house Vocational Rehabilitation Clinicians partnering with Perci Health, a virtual clinic with a large team of multidisciplinary cancer experts, specialising in the physical, psychological and practical effects of cancer.
L&G also reports that 75% of referred members to its psychological therapy partner Onebright showed an improvement to mild symptoms by discharge. This is after entering the services with severe low mood or severe anxiety (based on self-reported measures PHQ9 and GAD7 respectively). Onebright’s team also partners with L&G’s in-house Vocational Rehabilitation Clinicians to support employees in their return to work goals.
9 in 10 mental health claimants successfully able to return to work
Over nine in 10 (92%) employees with GIP mental health claims were supported to enable them to return to work in the deferred period, according to L&G’s latest annual claims and rehabilitation report. The deferred period which the employer confirms when they arrange cover, is the time between absence starting and a claim becoming payable; often 6 months. This maintains the strong results of previous years1.
L&G says its consistency in outcomes is due to its whole-person, outcomes-focused philosophy, which is embodied in its Be Well. Get Better. Be Supported. framework. This model is predicated on people getting back to – or staying in – ‘good work’ as a key health goal.
Dr Tarun Gupta, Chief Medical Officer, UK Protection, Retail, L&G: “Technology brings huge value to long-term absence management. It helps us reach even more people, supporting workplace inclusion goals, plugging gaps in healthcare provision, bringing much-needed support to employees, shortening absences and rebuilding hope, confidence and self-esteem.”
Vanessa Sallows, Claims & Governance Director, Group Protection, Retail, L&G: “The beauty of our partnership programmes lies in the fact that the tech solutions we advocate, complement the human touch, not replace it. And the results speak for themselves.
“Our ongoing goal now is to support even more employers to shift from reactive to proactive absence management, in terms of intervening early, staying in touch with absent employees, and viewing good work as beneficial to health; an important part of the recovery journey.”
Download the latest instalment here: Chief Medical Officer Report, Third Edition, Third Instalment.
References:
1L&G’s Rehabilitation & Claims performance 2023, published May 2024.
Further information
Notes to editors
Established in 1836, L&G is one of the UK's leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with £1.2 trillion in total assets under management (as at FY25) of which c. 43% (c. £0.5 trillion) is international. We have a highly synergistic business model, which continues to drive strong returns. We are a leading player in Institutional Retirement, in Retail Savings and Protection, and in Asset Management through both public and private markets. Across the Group, we are committed to responsible investing and dedicated to serving the long-term savings and investment needs of customers and society.
L&G’s Retail business is a leading provider of retirement and protection solutions. We aim to support our 12.4 million customers throughout their financial lifetimes.
We focus on helping the customers of today and tomorrow achieve better long-term outcomes. We use the latest technology to connect with them quickly, efficiently and wherever possible in highly personalised ways.
As at the first half of 2025, our workplace pension platform served 5.6 million members, with net flows of £4 billion. Retail annuity sales were £745 million and lifetime mortgage advances (including retirement interest only mortgages) were £104 million. Our retail protection gross premium income was £771 million.